HKScan to scrap all non-recyclable plastic packaging

Meat processor HKScan has pledged to replace all of its non-recyclable plastic packaging across its Swedish and Finnish units by the end of 2019.

The business said the move signalled an “important milestone​” for HKScan as it began to gradually phase out black packaging across Finland by replacing it with sustainable materials.

According to HKScan, black plastic is not recyclable because the optical sorting system used for recycling cannot detect the black carbon pigments used to colour the plastic.

The business has switched to yellow plastic for its Finnish poultry brand Kariniemen's products.

“The decision to move away from black plastic packaging in Sweden and in Finland is a strong promise to decrease our environmental impact and enabling the reuse of materials​,” said HKScan’s EVP of categories & concepts Heli Arantola.

“We are developing a road map also for Denmark and the Baltics – we want to show the way in all our markets​.”

The business revealed that it would introduce two new minced meat novelties to the Finnish market this month, which will be packed with recyclable cardboard packaging. It added that it would produce 80% less plastic waste.

Across its other markets, its Swedish Mamma Scans meatball packaging has been developed, which it said would reduce the use of plastics by 30 tonnes a year.

In Denmark, the business' poultry brand Rose has introduced new packaging made out of transparent, recycled plastic.

“We want to do our utmost to develop packaging to be more sustainable and correspond to the expectations of the consumers​,” added Arantola. “We have introduced a number of packaging technologies in our markets that improve product usability and decrease environmental impact​.”